OC Classroom Focus Group

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

more hot news

Centre for Dialogue Update
by Stan Chung, Member CforL steering group, Chair of Creative Classroom Committee

Purpose
Signature circular classroom represents the learning-centred aspirations of the Okanagan College.

Circular
The circular shape allows all thirty learners to see each other in the spirit of democracy and collaboration.

Exterior
Wood clad with laminated vertical beams jutting skyward to evoke the aboriginal pit house.

Interior
Windows with wood slatting. The area above the windows may be covered by beetle-killed Hemlock known as denim wood.

Dimensions--30 feet in diameter

Flooring
--carpet

Furniture
--table designed for the instructor with comfortable chair
--mobile tablet chairs for 30 students--translucent white boards

Ceiling
--tray painted ceiling

Lighting
-perimeter pot lighting

Coats
--coat hanging options are being investigated

Technology
--subject to funding
--minimum requirements include LCD projector

Blog
http://creativeclassroomsatoc.blogspot.com/

Change for pit area underneath Centre for Dialogue

Hot News
The Centre for Learning Steering Committee met today and confirmed that the 8 and half foot space beneath the Centre for Dialogue will not be sunken by one foot as planned.

Rationale:
By keeping the space level, the floor of the atrium will be more flexible, allowing us to use the space underneath the Centre for Dialogue for casual seating, musical groups, presentation podium, and theatrical events. Steve Robinson also believe this change will also save us some money.

Stan

Update as of Nov 12, 2008

Dear Classroom Committee,

I have more information for you as a result of my today meeting with Steve Robinson as well as my meeting with Mike Minions, Deb Peterson, and Shirley Marshall.

Centre for Dialogue Update
--designed primarily for face-to-face dialogue
--will be carpeted—approx 30 foot diameter
--will have solid ceiling--so good for LCD projector mounting
--proposed wood (beetle kill denim hemlock spec’d) for where walls meet ceiling
--below the floating space it will be slightly sunken for a conversation area
--there will be windows facing out over the atrium
--individual cushions for floor seating will be explored
--will retain exterior wood appearance with glue lam beams jutting upward
--I have requested (through Steve) more information from the architect

Furniture Update for Centre for Dialogue
--address the concern for chairs to fit all shapes and sizes
--will try for rolling and swivelling chairs with tablets
--will try to be as “green” as possible in sourcing
--furniture should be ordered before the end of the year to reduce costs
--translucent white boards were requested
--teacher table at the front of the Centre for Dialogue was requested

Other Classrooms and Meeting Rooms
--will verify how many need to be furnished (six or eight?)
--will utilize “used” wherever possible
--requested trapezoidal tables and regular upholstered chairs for new classrooms
--study spaces will have circular tables
--requested white/clear boards outside and inside the classroom doors for placing notices
--future “art walls” should be designed and reserved for exhibits

Our next meeting is the Facilities boardroom on Friday November 21 at 2pm where we may get a look at pictures of possible chair and table choices.
Deb Peterson will be joining us.

Thanks,

Stan

Friday, November 7, 2008

Swivelling tub chair


What if we bought 30 of these $250 from Sears.ca and organized in two semi-circular rows?
The advantage: the chairs stay grouped in a circular manner, but they can swivel to allow people to talk informally.
The proposed principle: the seating can swivel to allow for group discussion, but they are arranged primarily so that everyone can see one another in the spirit of democratic dialogue.
These are non-leather as well. Some object to the use of animal products. The vinyl surface should be easy to keep clean.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Resuts of Today's Meeting

October 31st, 2008
Sandra K, Paul S, Stan C, Wilma V., and Randy N.

Outcomes

It was concluded unaminously that the Centre for Dialogue should focus on encouraging democratic dialogue between learners and teachers.

It was agreed that Centre for Dialogue should include a large remote controlled LCD screen that is well hidden as well as an LCD projector that is well-hidden when not used.

It was suggested that the Centre for Dialogue should include various seating options so that learners will have appropriate choices.

No specific recommendations regarding chairs or tables were made.

Next Meeting

We decided that we would think about furniture and technology options for our next meeting which is in at Friday November 21 in the Facilities boardroom at 2pm.

video on smart table

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFEaXYrKmhY&feature=related

CNN's fancy touch screen and table top computing




Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Acrylic glass stands--$1800


Go here if you want to see transparent acrylic roll around stands.

http://www.magnatag.com/page/KLE/board/transparent-boards.asp


Monday, October 20, 2008

team table from computercomforts.com

Team Table Collaborative Environment

from clearmarkerboard.com


Clear marker board allows students place papers behind the glass and revise.

This would be a good option for study rooms.

very cool








transparent dry erase board


allseating tablet arm chair $259 made in canada



$259 Rainbow round back tablet arm chair, by Allseating--from bizchair.com

30 Recommended for Centre for Dialogue?


See officechairs.com for fully upholstered contemporary guest chair with tablet arm and casters.

Price at officechairs.com is $595. Comes in various colour options.

Satori Chair with Tablet Arm



4 x 52 inch LCD mounted or on stands for Centre for Dialogue



for a modern look



Acrylic lecturn with shelf. Great for Centre for Dialogue.

$649.98 from http://www.allendisplay.com/Acrylic-Floor-Lectern-with-Shelf

KI.com


Notice the portability and the white boards.

tablet chairs with comfort and portability
































table, chair, and study



http://www.interiorconcepts.com/education-furniture/tables/bistro-tables/

tables



Saudereducation.com

$428 Designer Wood Chairs for Centre for Dialogue?



http://www.dwr.com/product/egoa-armchair.do


$428

DESIGNER Josep Mora for Stua The initial appeal of the lightly scaled Egoa Armchair (1989) is a clean, finely drawn profile that suggests Le Corbusier's “engineer's aesthetic.” However, the chair's ultimate success lies in comfort-driven ergonomics. An ingeniously hinged seat and back move easily with the body, inviting users to adopt a dynamic sitting posture and allowing free range of movement (see "View Detail"). Every detail of the armchair has been carefully considered down to the glides that ensure stability and prevent the steel frame from forcing its way into a carpet or wood floor. The Egoa Armchair offers an alternative to typical armchairs, balancing ergonomic and functional demands with the appealing warmth of wood. The Egoa Armchair received the Melbourne Award for Innovative Design and is one of the most innovative and respected contract chairs in Europe. Simple assembly required.

LCD Stand for Centre for Dialogue


28-183-194.jpghttp://www.ergotron.com/Products/tabid/65/ctl/Product/mid/387/PRDID/170/language/en-CA/default.aspx



award winning mesh chair




http://www.humanscale.com/products/cinto.cfm

A Revolution in Mesh Seating
A 2005 Best of NeoCon Gold Award winner, the Liberty side chair offers beauty, performance and unprecedented comfort in its class.
Designed to complement the styling and features of the Liberty task and conference chair, the side chair features exclusive Form-Sensing Mesh Technology. Three panels of non-stretch mesh are sewn together to create a contoured shape that provides perfect lumbar support for all users automatically.